Thanks a million! ELDC confirms it expects to bank £1.63m ‘surplus’ from car parking in next 12 months

Paying the price

Published:16:59

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Figures released by East Lindsey District Council confirm the authority expects to make a £1.63m ‘surplus’ on car parking in the next 12 months.

The statistic has drawn a damning response from motorists who accused the council of using car park revenue as a ‘cash cow’ to boost its pension fund.

It also appears to put ELDC on a direct collision course with the Government after Communities Secretary Eric Pickles warned last month that councils could not rely on car parking to generate funds.

However, chief executive Stuart Davy has launched a strong defence of ELDC policy and insisted the surplus would be “reinvested into services for the community.”

He also stressed ELDC was complying with Government rules and regulations.

Mr Davy said: “The council predicts it will generate £2.79m in car parking income during 2015/16 - a similar amount to 2014/15.

“The council anticipates its car parking service will cost £1.16m to run during 2015/16.

“The difference is £1.63m. This money is reinvested into services for the community.

“The Law (Section 55 of the Traffic Management Act) allows for any income generated by councils through Excess Charges Notices to be used to support the cost of administering the car park service and any costs associated with car parking, such as relining, resurfacing and other maintenance.

“Under the Act income can also be used for purposes such as improving or maintaining open land and for the provision of outdoor recreational facilities, such as parks and gardens.”

There have been complaints in the past from business owners in Horncastle, claiming car parking charges are driving customers elsewhere.